Established in 2022 by a gift from the FPL/NextEra Foundation, the FPL Center for Intelligent Energy Technologies (InETech) at the Florida Atlantic University College of Engineering & Computer Science provides research support and learning opportunities. Using high-fidelity simulation and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven technologies, the center replicates a modern power industry control room, providing students and faculty with immersive, hands-on experience in close-to-real operational environments.

“The InETech Center offers an immersive environment with state-of-the-art software and hardware to allow students to learn and train with power system technology, providing experience applicable to working in the field,” said Yufei Tang, Ph.D., InETech director and associate professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Tang conducts research using AI with smart grid technology to make power systems, which generate, transmit, and distribute electrical power, more efficient, resilient, and sustainable. James VanZwieten Jr., Ph.D., InETech associate director and associate professor in the Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering, is investigating renewable energy generation and how it can be integrated into the larger power grid.

Undergraduate and graduate students, as well as post-doctoral fellows, all have access to the center for research and experience. Corey Chang, a master’s student studying electrical engineering, is using the center’s modeling computers to do research on power protection systems. He introduces disruptions, which in the real world could be caused by extreme weather and downed power lines, into a simulation to track the effects and determine ways to limit damage and restore power.

“Working with the InETech Center provides a great opportunity to gain experience with power system technologies and build skills on the same equipment used in the industry,” said Chang. “Being a part of the center also introduces me to many amazing people in the field, providing networking opportunities while learning to work on power systems.”

Students also appreciate access to AI technology offered at the center. Rithika Mathew, a senior majoring in computer science, is researching AI use in the energy industry.

“Being part of the InETech Center has given me valuable experience collaborating with power industry teams and learning to meet professional expectations,” said Mathew. “Focusing my research on AI and its capabilities in this fast-evolving field has shown me how intelligent systems can reason, adapt, and act autonomously in real-world energy applications.”

To learn more about how Florida Atlantic is helping to propel student success, as well as how Transcend Tomorrow: The Campaign for Florida Atlantic University is working to train more health care workers and create a healthier environment, visit transcendtomorrow.fau.edu.